Stepping Our Way Through July

I always find myself saying, "We'll do _____ when things slow down."  I'm not sure how things are around your parts, but that just doesn't seem to happen around here.  Instead of trying to do an in-depth post, which I just can't find time for right now, I thought I would share our photos from July...so far.

A little mid-Summer flower buying.  I fell in love with the zinnias! They are so cheery and full of color!

A wonderful day at one of the Metro Parks in Toledo.

Autumn and Liberty do everything together.  For a DIY to make the Daisy Crown click here.

Annie loves learning and reading about Annie Oakley.  For our visit back to my hometown for the 4th of July, we stopped by her Memorial.

A whirlwind trip to Cleveland.

A stop by Lake Erie.  I love spending time around water.  Maybe I was a mermaid in a former life :)

Everybody should be quiet near a little stream and listen.

author unknown

June Nature Walks and The Handbook of Nature Study

Where exactly did June go?  Going into the month I thought it was going to be a slow one.  Ha!  But, between raindrops we were able to get outside a bit, visiting our local parks.  My children and I are always drawn to the ones that are a little outside the city limits.  Walking trails and space to roam is much to our liking.  If it also happens to have a great playground, well, then it gets bonus points.

"Nature study is, despite all discussions and pervasions, a study of nature; it consists of simple, truthful observations that may, like beads on a string, finally be threaded together as a logical and harmonious whole.

Nature study cultivates the child's imagination, since there are as many wonderful and true stories that he may read with his own eyes, which affect his imagination as much as does fairy lore; at the same time nature study cultivates in him a perception and regard for what is true, and the power to express it.  

All things seem possible in nature; yet this seeeming is always guarded by the eager quest of what is true.  Perhaps half the falsehood in the world is due to lack of power to detect the truth and to express it.  Nature study aids both in discernment and in expression of things as they are."

Anna Botsford Comstock

Handbook of Nature Study

(affiliate link)

This book was written in 1911 and it's about 2 1/2 inches thick.  The book is not colorful and glitzy, but it holds loads of great information.  The book is divided into 4 parts: The Teaching of Nature Study, Animals, Plants, Earth and Sky.  You can use it as a nature curriculum all on it's own; she has lessons already laid out in the book.  Poems, life cycles, and photos are also included.  I don't know that I would recommend it as a field guide, it's heavy.  But, keep it close at hand for an instant nature study topic or idea.

When I used to mention that we were going on a nature walk I would usually hear some moans and groans.  Now when I tell them we are headed to the park, everyone scatters to grab something for the walk.  Annie grabs her journal and a pen, Sam takes the magnifying glass, Liberty grabs random books about anything to do with the outside world, and Autumn her bird book.  She absolutely is fascinated with owls.  Here is a picture of her showing me the bird she thinks she is hearing.  No matter what the bird's song, she is sure it is a type of owl.  So cute.

The pictures in this collage are from Litzenberg Memorial Woods.  It is a wonderful park with walking trails, but it is also home to the McKinnis House.  Below is a bit of information about it.  To learn more click here.

'McKinnis History: The park area was originally settled by early Hancock County pioneers Charles and Mary McKinnis arriving in 1822 from Chillicothe, Ohio. A log cabin was built first somewhere nearby upon arriving and later replaced by the current McKinnis House. Built circa 1847, the vernacular Greek Revival style home is furnished in a style common to rural farmhouses during the 1800’s.  Charles and Mary raised six children and are buried with other early settlers and family members at the little cemetery known as Indian Green located just east of the park area on U.S. Route 224.' 

There is always something out there to be explored.  Where have you adventured lately?  I don't think you have to go far, sometimes just your backyard, or a walk around around the block.  It doesn't have to be fancy or complicated.  Enjoy your weekend.

Gardening Books by Sharon Lovejoy

Inspiration can come in many forms, and from many places.  Recently, I was scrolling through Instagram and caught sight of the book, "Roots Shoots Buckets & Boots."  The lady with the picture was commenting that she goes to this book again and again for inspiration.  Well....I had to check it out.

I clicked on over to our local library's website and put the book on hold.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that Lovejoy also had many more books!  I was pleasantly surprised, and put a few more on hold.  

It was a happy day when I went to pick them up.  What a treasure trove of information, beautiful illustrations, gardening inspiration.....I think you get the idea.  I have learned so much.  I read a little bit in one book, then read a bit in another.  I need to just commit and read one book at a time.

My littlest son Benaiah, and our dog Sophie, accompanied me out back where we took a few pictures for you near my little clump of blooming daises.   Fun :)  Just so you now, this post does contain affiliate links.

A Blessing of Toads: A Gardener's Guide To Living with Nature

This quote from the forward really puts into words beautifully what this book is about.  

'Too often, the voice of experience comes to us in the form of a haughty scold or a boring dissertation: Not so in the case of author Sharon Lovejoy.  Playful, modest, and full of fun, Sharon's light hearted essays and whimsical watercolor illustrations combine scientific fact with scholarly observation in a manner that captures our hearts and makes us wiser as if by magic.....For more than ten years, the readers of Country Living Gardener have come to Sharon's "Heart's Ease" column to be entertained.  And they have left feeling educated and befriended.  For those devoted readers - and for gardeners, backyard biologists and kindred spirits everywhere - we offer  this collection of essays, illustrations, and weekend projects."       Marjorie Gage

Each essay is a quick read, but is packed with little hints and tidbits.  It would be a nice book to keep in your tote as you run errands, sit at soccer practice or wait in line.  

Toad Cottages & Shooting Stars: Grandma's Bag of Tricks

OK, I love all these books.  But, I especially love this one.  The cover of the book really says it all:

"130 Wonder-Filled Grandchild-Friendly Activities!"
"Turn an Hour, a Day, a Weekend into a Lifelong Memory"
"Includes... Firefly Lanterns, Worm Hotel, Pizza Box Solar Oven, Faerie Houses, Memory Boxes, and Peek-a-Boo Planters"

Wow.  This book also has recipes, herbs, backyard birding and crafts.  Whats not to love?  And no...I have not been paid to say any of these things.  Sharon Lovejoy doesn't know I exist, but if by chance she ever reads this, "I would love to meet you!"  Ahem...sorry about that.

Hollyhock Days: Garden Adventures For The Young At Heart

Fun and simple gardening projects with useful tips.  Sayings like: "When the fly's upon the wall, Rain is surely going to fall", are sprinkled throughout the book.   She dances through the seasons and introduces us to quiet places.  Always with such a lighthearted air.  

Roots Shoots Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children

What doesn't this book have. It is wonderful.  Whether you garden with children, or just like to act like one sometimes, you must get this book.  It gives garden basics, tips for a natural medicine chest, a Top 20 Plants For Kids list and tons of resources.  This is such a fun book, I can see why you would want to grab it again and again.  I can't help but mentioning that my children have loved looking at these books.  Her sweet illustrations are full of detail and really draw you in to look at the details.

Sunflower Houses: A Book For Children and Their Grown-Ups

This book is so much more than just Sunflowers (which would be OK, because I love those, too).  The book contains enchanting garden ideas, with lists of flowers to complete them.  Her lovely watercolors illustrate the pages and little poems and remembrances are dotted here and there.

  

I am so glad that I discovered this author and her wonderful books.  Even if you aren't a gardener there are a ton of ideas for you to use.  

Let me know what you think.  Have you read any of these books?  Maybe you have read some of her other titles.   Do you have an author that you enjoy that is in this same subject matter?  Leave me a comment!

What To Do When They Say I'm Bored

It is so nice to be done with school for a little while, and be able to slow down our day.  But, I have noticed, as I do every time this year that down time isn't always a good thing.  I put this list together a Summer or two ago, but there are still some great crafts into to help the Summer move along at a happy pace.

There are enough crafts listed here to keep your children occupied until they leave for college!

The Artful Parent So Many Arts and Crafts Ideas for Kids! (A Directory Update) Jean at the Artful Parent always has the most amazing projects.  I follow her on Instagram and the ideas seem to be never ending! We made homemade crayons over the Winter.  We used those little plastic ice cube trays in the shape of stars that you can find at the dollar store.  The chunky shape is also nice for little hands to grip.   Confessions of a Homeschooler Have any of you ever tried finger knitting?  I think it looks like fun!  What a fun little garland it would make in the girls room. Creative Jewish Mom What windy Summer day wouldn't be complete without a homemade kite?  You could fly them, or use them for really colorful decorations....maybe a Kite Birthday Party theme? Creative Jewish Mom Butterfly Kite Kid's Craft With Straws There are so many days in the Summer that it is too hot to be outside, unless you add a little water.  Water guns can get a bit tedious for the Littles to fill.  But, this sponge necklace would keep them busy for hours.  I included the link to the original post, and also the directions if you want to put one together.  The directions say to freeze it when you are done, but I think a bucket of water would be more fun for them to play with.  Let me know what you think.   The Tiny Funnel Cool Off Necklaces Materials: Dry sponges cut into 1/2" squares (any small shape will do) Embroidery needle 25" of .5mm Stretch Magic cord Cut and thread a needle onto a 25" length of the Stretch Magic cord. Thread 1/2" pieces of sponge onto the thread and tie the ends into a knot when it’s full. Wet and ring the water out of the sponges then put the necklace in the freezer. Wait a little while (30 minutes or so). Take the necklace from the freezer and put it on-cool off! What do you do in the Summer to stay busy and cool?